Identification of a POPs Hotspot Examination of DDT and Lindane (BHC) Residues in Potato and Farm Soil

Transcription

1 The International POPs Elimination Project Fostering Active and Effective Civil Society Participation in Preparations for Implementation of the Stockholm Convention Identification of a POPs Hotspot Examination of DDT and Lindane (BHC) Residues in Potato and Farm Soil Pesticide Watch Group Nepal Forum of Environmental Journalists Kathmandu, Nepal December 2005

2 About the International POPs Elimination Project On May 1, 2004, the International POPs Elimination Network (IPEN began a global NGO project called the International POPs Elimination Project (IPEP) in partnership with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP). The Global Environment Facility (GEF) provided core funding for the project. IPEP has three principal objectives: Encourage and enable NGOs in 40 developing and transitional countries to engage in activities that provide concrete and immediate contributions to country efforts in preparing for the implementation of the Stockholm Convention; Enhance the skills and knowledge of NGOs to help build their capacity as effective stakeholders in the Convention implementation process; Help establish regional and national NGO coordination and capacity in all regions of the world in support of longer term efforts to achieve chemical safety. IPEP will support preparation of reports on country situation, hotspots, policy briefs, and regional activities. Three principal types of activities will be supported by IPEP: participation in the National Implementation Plan, training and awareness workshops, and public information and awareness campaigns. For more information, please see IPEN gratefully acknowledges the financial support of the Global Environment Facility, Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, Swiss Agency for the Environment Forests and Landscape, the Canada POPs Fund, the Dutch Ministry of Housing, Spatial Planning and the Environment (VROM), Mitchell Kapor Foundation, Sigrid Rausing Trust, New York Community Trust and others. The views expressed in this report are those of the authors and not necessarily the views of the institutions providing management and/or financial support. This report is available in the following languages: English 2

3 Identification of a POPs Hotspot Examination of DDT and Lindane (BHC) Residues in Potato and Farm Soil Executive Summary Study Goal The goal of the study was to identify the POPs hotspot area among the vegetable growing areas in Nepal with an objective to involve common grassroots people and NGOs in the global POPs eliminations campaign through awareness programs about POPs that are being used in their environment. Project Activity The project is divided into Phase I and Phase II activities. The Phase I activities consist of inventory preparation of vegetable item potato sourced into vegetable markets of Kathmandu focusing mainly on demand and supply situation, identifying product sources (commercial farms etc.) followed by determination of residual levels of DDT and Lindane (BHC) in potato from different source areas and information sharing on residual levels of DDT and Lindane (BHC) in potato with the consumers and dealers in the market chain with a purpose to make them aware of the harmful consequences of the DDT, Lindane (Lindane BHC) residues as a part of the campaign for the elimination of POPs from the environment. The Phase II activity consists mainly of an investigation of identified DDT and Lindane (BHC) contaminated potato farm areas followed by collection of soil samples from the farm, analysis of soil samples for residual DDT and Lindane (BHC) and information sharing with the farmers, consumers and government agencies on the implication of the observed residual levels on the environment and consumer s health. Project Findings The project findings of the Phase I and Phase II activities were presented as separate reports to the hub in January 2005 and April 2005 and are also presented as Attachment 1 and 2 of this report. The key findings of the project are briefly summarized as under: Phase I Findings: There were more than 20 different source localities, which supply potato to Kathmandu vegetable markets including localities from India, Bhutan and Tibet. Seventeen samples of potato sourced from four districts of Nepal and one from India were collected and analysed for DDT and Lindane (BHC) residue About 18 % of the samples examined showed residue contents of DDT and Lindane (BHC) above detection limits. 3

4 The residual levels of DDT and Lindane (BHC) were found to be below the Codex value for cereals, eggs, and milk, and not high enough to cause immediate health concern to potato consumers or to the environment. However, note that the above POPs have bio accumulative character and will build-up within people when consumed regularly even in very low concentrations thus contributing to body burdens and potentially cause health concerns in the long-term. Phase II Findings Sixteen soil samples showing residual DDT and Lindane (BHC) above detection limit in potato representing four districts of Kathmandu were collected and analysed for residual DDT and Lindane (BHC) DDT and Lindane (BHC) were used for the potato crops for pest control some 10 to 15 years before in the survey localities. In the recent years, with the enactment of Pesticide Act and Regulation, which bans DDT and Lindane (BHC) for production and use, they have been replaced by other pesticides for crop protection. Altogether 37% of the collected soil samples showed residues of Lindane (BHC) at levels of detection. While none of the soil samples indicated DDT residue above the instrumental detection limit. Should state detection limit here Residual concentrations observed for the analysed soil samples are below the USEPA minimal risk levels (MRL) values and are considered safe from immediate environmental and ecological consideration. However, note that the bio-accumulative character of these chemicals means that members of the upper food chain system could accumulate high concentrations of these substances despite low initial environmental concentrations. Hence, the legal instruments in prohibiting the use of POPs are very important Awareness Activities Focusing the case of DDT and Lindane (BHC) use and its residue levels in crops and soil, POPs elimination awareness programs including information sharing and interactions with the stakeholders were organized at various levels in different times during and after the completion of the project. The key target stakeholders for preparation of awareness materials on POPs and its effects to health and environment were the environmental journalists working in the print, radio, and TV media. Besides, potato dealers, stockist, retailers, and consumers in the market chain and farmers in the production base were also targeted for awareness raising at the grass root levels. The following activities highlight the efforts of the Pesticide Watch Group on the awareness building for POPs elimination. Interaction meeting with the environmental journalists and release of the residue level database of the Phase I activity outcome 25 January 2005 at NEFEJ Hall, 15 environmental journalists covering print, radio and TV media participated; Radio program on the pesticide issue, focusing on POPs at Radio Sagarmatha, First community radio in South-Asia 8 February Program addressed the consumer on 4

5 the maters related to POPs. Also released the database on DDT, Lindane (BHC) residue level situation in potato available at Kathmandu market; Interaction with the dealers, stockists, and retailers of the Kathmandu market on the issue of POPs and its residue levels in potato supplied in the Kathmandu market and their role in the POPs elimination campaign; Interaction meeting with the farmer communities and discussion on the observed residue levels of DDT and Lindane (BHC) in potatoes of the farm - March 2005 in the four districts supplying potato to Kathmandu markets and collection of composite soil samples for residue analysis for DDT and Lindane (BHC); Interaction meeting with the environmental journalists and release of the residue level database of the Phase II activity outcome 15 April 2005 at NEFEJ Hall, 13 environmental journalists covering print, radio and TV media participated; and Release of the DDT land Lindane (BHC) residue level database of Phase I and Phase II activities in the interaction program Battle with persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs): Problem of POPs in Nepal, organized on the occasion of Global POPs Week (17 23 April 2005) on 22 April 2005 by Nepal Forum of Environmental Journalists (NEFEJ), Pesticide Watch Group. The interaction meeting included over 40 participants representing concerned government agencies, members of POPs Enabling Activities Project, civil society, environmental journalists and other institutions. Conclusion and Recommendations The potato source area of Kathmandu vegetable market under investigation has been under application of DDT and Lindane (BHC) in the past. In the last 10 to 15 years, the DDT and Lindane (BHC) pesticides are not reported to have been used. The DDT and Lindane (BHC) residual analysis carried out during this study in the vegetable item (potato) and soil do not show residual levels above US EPA MRL values of environmental and ecological concern. As there are no quantitative databases on the application of DDT and Lindane (BHC) in the past and its actual area coverage, it is not possible to ascertain the entire agricultural farms as environmentally and ecologically safe from the above POPs. However, the obtained DDT, Lindane (BHC) residual analysis results of potato and farm soil reveals that the coverage of the contaminated POPs hotspot, if any, is limited to small localized pockets only. Such potential localized POPs hotspot pocket area could be confined to areas where eroded sediments from the DDT, Lindane (BHC) applied agricultural fields are deposited such as ponds, lakes, and the aggradational (depositional areas) river/stream beds. Future studies for the identification of hotspots should concentrate in those areas. It is to be noted that the POPs have been legally banned for agricultural use since 1993 in Nepal. Field interaction with the local farmers also reveals that the DDT and Lindane (BHC) in the agricultural farms were replaced by the other pesticides during the same period (after 1993). This shows that the enforcement of legal tools for the control of POPs, in the context of Nepal is very effective. The residue analysis of 1980, 1994 and the present also conforms the gradual decline of DDT, Lindane (BHC) residues in the vegetable items over the years. 5

6 It is true that POPs pesticide use in Nepal has declined over the years. The major reason is the legal restriction. The farmers are not using it, because it is not readily available on the market. The question whether they will use it or not if it is made available by any source and means is doubtful. The knowledge of the common Nepali farmers on the POPs pesticides is very limited. Most of them do not even know what POPs are, or what harms they can pose to public health and environment. Future programs on POPs elimination, hence, should target the awareness level of the common Nepali farmers together with an exchange of information on why certain pesticides including POPs have been legally restricted for use in Nepal. 6

7 Attachment 1 7

8 First Phase Report IDENTIFICATION OF POPs HOT SPOT Examination of DDT and Lindane (BHC) Residues in Potato and Farm Soil Table of Contents 1.0 INTRODUCTION GENERAL ABOUT THE STUDY STUDY PHASES THIS REPORT IS FOR THE PHASE I: ACTIVITIES ONLY KEY ACTIVITIES OF PHASE I METHODOLOGY Survey and documentation of vegetable markets of Kathmandu Sample taking for residual pesticide analysis Sample handling and Analysis RESULTS AND FINDINGS Demand and Supply situation of potato in Kathmandu Valley Potato cultivation and use of chemicals Results of chemical analysis of residual pesticides Comparison of residual data obtained with standards Assessment of results Possible reason for the study outcome ABOUT THE PHASE II STUDY ANNEXES Annex 1: Checklist for inventory of agricultural products that are sourced in to the vegetable market of the Kathmandu Valley Annex 2: National wide cultivation area and production of potato

9 Phase I Report, Identification of POPs Hotspot 1.0 Introduction 1.1 General Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) as the name suggests are a class of chemicals that are found almost everywhere around us albeit in a very small concentrations because of their inherent properties, but constitutes a potential risk to human health and the environment. However, it is to be borne in mind that most chemicals identified, as POPs so far, are synthetic and originally made and used for the benefit of agriculture, industry and utility products. The identified POPs targeted for release reduction and eventual elimination from the environment are: aldrin, dieldrin, endrin, DDT, hexachlorobenzene, chlordane, heptachlor, mirex, toxaphene, PCBs, dioxins and furans. Out of these 12, the first nine are mainly pesticides, extensively used in agriculture. PCBs and hexachlorobenzene are mostly used in industry and utility products. Dioxins and furans are unintentional by products in a large number of chemical, biological and thermal processes involving chlorine. POPs and their Distribution The widespread distribution of POPs across the world can be attributed to the following reasons: POPs resist degradation due to chemical, biological and photolytic processes and are characterized by low solubility in water and high solubility in lipid resulting in bioaccumulation in fatty tissues of living organisms. POPs persist in the environment for a long time, with halflife ranging from several days to years and are semi-volatile. This creates favourable conditions for trans-boundary movements over long distances. POPs Hot spots (developing countries) Because of the acutely toxic nature, production and uses of most POPs (inclusive of PCBs, Lindane (BHC), DDT, aldrin, dieldrin and heptachlor) have already been banned in many countries, but their uses in developing countries are continuing unabatedly, particularly, DDT and Lindane (BHC). POPs hotspots are created at localized places largely due to lack of awareness among stakeholders; lack of proper legislation; lack of legally mandated institutions etc. all of which results in continued waste dumping around sites of municipal, industrial, hospital areas, as well as in areas where intensive agro-cultivation is practiced with indiscriminate use of pesticides. About the Study This study is about the identification of a POPs hot spot among vegetable growing areas whose products are sourced in to Kathmandu vegetable markets. The method consists of survey, analysis of residual pesticides in selected vegetable; assessing the results and preparing awareness-building materials related to the hotspot areas. Since residual pesticide analysis is cost intensive, only one vegetable item namely, potato was selected for sampling and analysis; and residual analysis of DDT and Lindane (BHC) have been conducted in each sample of potato, because in spite of being banned, these pesticides are considered to be extensively used in green vegetable and potato growing areas as well as during post-harvest treatment of the agro-products. 1

10 Phase I Report, Identification of POPs Hotspot 2.0 Study Phases The study is divided into Phase I and Phase II activities. The former consists of inventory preparation of agricultural products that are sourced into vegetable markets of Kathmandu focussing mainly on demand and supply situation, determining residual levels of selected POPs in vegetable items, identifying product sources (commercial farms etc.) and preparing awareness building materials among stakeholders (farmers, common people, concerned agencies, media etc). The later phase consists mainly of investigation of identified POP hotspot areas (contaminated soils, etc.) by analysing soil samples from where contaminated vegetable item is sourced into the markets; and preparing field based and other awareness building measures, in order to reduce the risk to human health and environment from possible POP exposure. 3.0 Phase I 3.1 Key Activities of Phase I Key activities of the Phase I studies are: Survey and documentation of vegetable markets of Kathmandu with simple checklist on the supply of potentially POPs contaminated vegetable item (potato) and their locations with an objective to prepare an inventory of average supply and demand of the item. Collection of potato samples (15 to 20) for residual testing with details of type, date of collection, source area, supply volume of the season etc. POPs residual analysis in the collected samples at the laboratory for DDT and Lindane (BHC) Assessment of survey results and documentation. Preparation of mass awareness materials based upon scientific database. Conduction of mass awareness campaign. 3.2 Methodology Survey and Documentation of Vegetable Markets of Kathmandu Before proceeding with the market survey, checklists (Annex) were prepared focusing mainly on following points: Identification of principal vegetable market places in Kathmandu where different kinds of vegetable items (potato) are sourced from locations inside and outside Kathmandu. Identification of producers, suppliers, stockiest, and sellers of potato who can provide data / information on cropping seasons at different locations, potato growing areas in Nepal (sources for Kathmandu supply); types of potato grown; 2

11 Phase I Report, Identification of POPs Hotspot the kind of disease vectors the farmers face during growing seasons and the types of pesticides they use to control the disease; types of preservative / pesticides stockiest use during storage. General awareness among farmers, field workers, and stockiest / retailers about the health risk posed by misuse / abuse of pesticides. General awareness among stakeholders on POPs, especially banned POPs such as, DDT / Lindane (BHC) because they are so persistent in the environment and acutely hazardous to health even at very low levels of exposures. Users' knowledge on the quality of the pesticides they use because often, the content of active ingredient in the supplied formulation may be far below the required level. Users' knowledge on the availability of other types of pesticides alternative to banned ones, which may be less harmful to health or forms of organic farming that completely avoids the use of pesticides altogether Preparation of lists of agencies (Government and non-government) who keep databases on the potato production volume, locations where it is produced most, the places from where potato supply are sourced etc. Since the ultimate aim of the study was to identify the POPs hot spot areas if any, a preliminary visit to main vegetable markets around Kathmandu (e. g. Kalimati, Balaju, Lagankhel, Baneswar, Koteswar, Tukucha etc) as well as some record keeping agencies was made. The purpose of the visit was to get a first hand knowledge on types of potato currently available (November / December); locations of sources; and to ensure that sampling points selected would not miss POPs-using areas, if any. On the basis of preliminary study, survey visits were carried out to acquire data on supply sources from all over Nepal and outside Nepal, supply volumes, time of supply in to Kathmandu markets; along with information on types of pesticide farmers prefer to use in vegetable crops and their use practices, etc. This data was obtained from National Potato Development centre (HMG Organization), Khumultar. Data on records of annual potato entry in to Kathmandu from various districts of Nepal and places outside Nepal, source-wise and month-wise were obtained from Kalimati Fruits and vegetable Market Development Board, Kathmandu, which shows big supply sources and their time of supply. During the survey, it was also observed that samples taken from retailers and stockiest for residual pesticide contents may not always be reliable regarding the sources from where they were supplied. So it was decided to visit some locations (farms), where the crops are ready for harvesting, take the samples and at the same time meet / talk to local people / farmers / farm owners about cropping patterns, fertilizers/ pesticides use practices etc. 3

12 Phase I Report, Identification of POPs Hotspot Sample Taking for Residual Pesticide Analysis Sampling Period: November 18 to December 16, 2004 Sample Size: Approximately 1 kg potato per sample Sample Coverage: Locations around and outside Kathmandu Valley supplying their products to Kathmandu at the time of sampling as given in Table 1. Table 1: Sample Coverage S.No. Source location District / others Sampled from Number of samples collected 1 Bode Bhaktapur Field 2 2 Sankhu Kathmandu Market 4 3 Mulpani Kathmandu Field 1 4 Gothatar Kathmandu Field 2 5 Nala Kavre Market 1 6 Panauti Kavre Market 1 7 Panchkhal Kavre Market 1 8 Panchkhal Kavre Field 2 9 Bhakundebeshi Kavre Market 1 10 Trishuli Nuwakot Market 1 11 Bangali Indian Market 1 Out of 17 samples taken, 7 samples were taken from the field during harvest time and 10 from vegetable markets Sample Handling and Analysis Nepal Environmental & Scientific Services laboratory was contracted for sampling handling and analysis by NEFEJ. All samples collected were placed in the refrigerator till the time of the analysis (usually the next day). Samples were taken out from the refrigerator, warmed to room temperature, chopped to small pieces along with skin and blended in a grinder to make pastes of potato samples. 100 gram of each sample was taken and extracted with acetonitrile with the addition of the filter aid, Celite- GR. After the addition of the extracting solvent, the sample mixture was then blended for at least two minutes to complete the extraction and then after, it was filtered through glass filter. The filtrate was transferred in to a 1000-ml capacity-separating funnel and then it was partitioned with petroleum spirit. The partitioned spirit layer was washed with water, and finally, the water content of the petroleum spirit was removed by anhydrous sodium sulphate. Then the extract was cleaned up in a Florisil column and eluted with a mixture of 6% diethyl ether in petroleum spirit. The eluate was then concentrated to a volume of 5 ml using a rotary evaporator. After the preparation of the sample, DDT and Lindane (BHC) were analysed by GLC using Electro Capture Detector. As a part of quality assurance fortified samples with DDT and Lindane were also analysed along with the samples. 4

13 Phase I Report, Identification of POPs Hotspot The general conditions applied were: GLC: Chemito 8310 Detector: ECD Carrier gas: Nitrogen Column: SE-30, Glass Oven Temperature: 140 o C Injector Temperature: 220 o C Detector Temperature: 250 o C 3.3 Results and Findings Demand and Supply situation of Potato in Kathmandu Valley Demand and supply situation of potato in to Kathmandu valley markets in terms of annual total supply: in quantity, potato types, supply sources, supply times of the year etc are given in the following Tables: 2, 3, and 4. Table 2: Annual Potato Supply in to Kathmandu Markets (metric tonne) S.No. Items Year 2002/2003 Year 2003/2004 Total Percentage Total Percentage Mean 1 Red Potato White Potato Total Data source: Kalimati Fruits & Vegetables Market Development Board, Kalimati, Kathmandu The above result shows that the annual total supply of potato in to the Kathmandu markets varies from (year: 2002 / 2003) to m.t. (year: 2003 / 2004), an average of m.t. per year. In the supplied tonnage, the supply of red variety amounts to an average of 70 % and the white variety to 30 %. 5

14 Phase I Report, Identification of POPs Hotspot Table 3: Source-wise Distribution of Annual Potato Supplies into Kathmandu Markets with Rankings (in Metric Tonne) Year 2002/2003 Year 2003/2004 S. No. Source Total Metric Tonne Rank % Total Tonne Rank % 1 Bara District Bhaktapur Chitwan Dhading Gorkha Jhapa Kathmandu Kavre Lalaitpur Makawanpur Nuwakot Nawalparashi Parsha Rautahat Sarlahi Sunsari India Tibet Bhutan Others Total Data source: Kalimati Fruits & Vegetables Market Development Board, Kalimati, Kathmandu The above data shows that more than 20 different sources from inside and outside Nepal supply potato in to Kathmandu markets. The supply sources are: 16 districts of Nepal, unknown locations from India, Bhutan and Tibet and others. In terms of supply quantity, Kavre district of Nepal ranks first supplying about 53 % of the total; Kathmandu district supplies about 22 %; and the supply from India ranks third, about 11 %. 6

15 Phase I Report, Identification of POPs Hotspot Table 4: Month-wise Distribution of Annual Potato Supplies in to Kathmandu Markets with Rankings (in metric tonne) Year 2002/2003 Year 2003/2004 Rank Months Supply % Rank Months Total % 1 Aswin (Sept/Oct) Falgun (Feb/March) Chaitra (March/April) Chaitra (March/April) Bhadra (Aug/Sept Bhadra (Aug/Sept Falgun (Feb/March) Baishak (April/May) Mansir (Nov/Dec) Jestha (May/June) Poush (Dec/Jan) Aswin (Sept/Oct) Magh (Jan/Feb) Magh (Jan/Feb) Baishak (April/May) Kartik (Oct/Nov) Sharwan (July/Aug Mansir (Nov/Dec) Aasad (June/July) Poush (Dec/Jan) Jestha (May/June) Aasad (June/July) Kartik (Oct/Nov) Sharwan (July/Aug Total Data source: Kalimati Fruits & Vegetables Market Development Board, Kalimati, Kathmandu Data from above table shows that in terms of monthly supplies, the quantities of supply is almost uniform, low supply months can be taken as Zestha, Asar, and Shrawan; high supply months Magh, Fagun, and Chaitra Potato Cultivation and Use of Chemicals Information gathered from the concerned people indicate that depending upon the type of location of the potato growing areas, multiple crops of potato are grown, usually twice a year, each cropping season lasting about two to three months. Most samples of potato collected for this study (November-December, harvesting season) were harvested a little more than two months after seeding. During the sample taking in the field, it was revealed that farmers apart from using conventional chemical fertilizers also used a certain kind of bio-fertilizer to hasten potato growths, shortening the growing season. But farmers on the ground were reluctant to tell about the kind of specific pesticides they use. While talking about the pesticide use practices in vegetables including potato, with people from Government organizations, like the Crop Protection Department and National Potato Development Centre, they say that DDT and Lindane (BHC) are banned items, as such, these pesticides are not available in the market and farmers in general do not use them for crop protection 7

16 Phase I Report, Identification of POPs Hotspot Some Details About Potato Samples Collected and Analysed Seeding Time: Bhadra Harvesting Time: days after seeding Manure/Fertilizer used: Chicken litter/ Organic Manure /Urea/ DAP, in cases where the soil is acidic, agricultural lime is also applied to the soil. In addition to the above, farmers also prefer to use bio-fertilizers. Among the Pesticides / Fungicides used: Pesticides: Furadan 3G (Carbofuran 3% G); Cartap Hydrochloride 4 % G (Kritap 4 G Insecticide); Phorate 10% CG; Pesticide use practices: The above pesticides are normally used for soil conditioning and during cropping time. Fungicides: (Mancozeb 75 %); Dithanem M 45; Indofil M 45; Artee M 45; Saviorm 45; Uthane 45; Dhankaka M 45; Anu M 45. Use-Practices: Fungicides are used only during potato cropping time. Spraying Time: 3 7 days interval (during cropping time) Results of Chemical Analysis of Residual Pesticides The results of chemical analysis of residual pesticides are given in Table 5. 8

17 Phase I Report, Identification of POPs Hotspot No. Locations Table 5: Residual Pesticide Contents in Potato Samples Date DDT Observed Residual Pesticide Concentration, (ppm) α- β-lindane γ-lindane Lindane (BHC) (BHC) (BHC) δ-lindane (BHC) 1. BKT-Bode BKT-Bode Sankhu Nilo Gothatar Gothatar Mulpani Sankhu Seto Indian Bangali Nala Lamo Rato Panauti Golo rato Sankhu Rato PanchKhal Panchkhal- Anekote-4/5 (Bari) Panchkhal (Bari) Bhakundebesi Sankhu (Re sample) Trisuli Dhikure Note: α- Lindane (BHC), β-lindane (BHC), γ-lindane (BHC), and δ-lindane (BHC) are isomers The above results of residual pesticides analysis indicates that out of 17 potato samples analysed, only four samples showed some residual pesticide levels above the detection limits (D.L. = less than mg / kg) of the equipment under the specified operating conditions. The residual contents of sample number 1 (BKT-Bode-4) and sample number 7 (Sankhu Seto) are barely above the D.L. for γ-lindane (BHC) and β-lindane (BHC) respectively. Residual DDT contents obtained for sample 2 (BKT-Bode-5) and sample 8 (Indian Bengali) are mg / kg and mg / kg respectively Comparison of Residual Data Obtained with Standards Nepal Standards According to Nepal Standards (Rajpatra, Volume 50, Magh 23, 2057; Number 42), Pesticide residue limit of DDT in food grains (cereals) is absent (no further elaboration on the word absent is given) Residue limit of Lindane (BHC) in food grains (cereals) is 0.01 mg / kg. 9

18 Phase I Report, Identification of POPs Hotspot Indian Standards (Ref. Source: A.T. Dudani, 1987) Residue limits of DDT and Lindane (BHC) in potato are not available. Residue limit of DDT in milk and baby foods is 1.25 mg / kg. Residue limit of Lindane in eggs is 0.1 mg / kg. Codex FAO Residue limits of DDT and Lindane (BHC) in potato are not available. Residue limit of DDT in cereal grains is 0.1 mg / kg Residue limit of DDT in milk is 0.02 mg / kg. Residue limit of DDT in eggs is 0.1 mg / kg. Residue limit of aldrin, dieldrin, and chlordane in cereals is 0.02 mg / kg. Comparison of Study Data, DDT Since no standards for DDT or Lindane in potato were available for comparison, the data was compared with standards established for cereals, milk, baby foods, and eggs. The residue values obtained in potato (0.016 mg / kg for sample NO. 2; and mg / kg for S.NO 8) indicate the presence of DDT and therefore exceeded standards for cereals in Nepal. The DDT values in the two Nepali potatoes were lower than the Indian Standard limits of 1.25 mg/ kg in milk and baby foods. Both samples were lower than the Codex standard of 0.1 mg / kg in cereal grains and eggs but the potato value for Sample N0. 8 exceeded the Codex standard for milk (0.02 mg / kg). Comparison of Study Data, Lindane (BHC) Lindane (BHC) residue values obtained in potato (S.N.1 and S.N. 2) are lower than the Nepal Standard limit of 0.01 mg/kg established for food grains. Comprehensive reports on past studies carried out to determine residual pesticides contents in foodstuff are rare. However, results of some studies indicate the following: DDT residue analysis carried out in Central Food Research Laboratory in the 1980s indicates that most of the food items analysed at that time were found to be contaminated by DDT, but it was said that decreasing trend of DDT contents in foodstuff was observed in analyses conducted in subsequent years. In a study carried out in 1994, similar analyses of DDT, Lindane (BHC) and other pesticides were performed in 15 samples of food grains (by GLC, using ECD, samples were sent to India for residue analysis) and it is reported that in none of the samples analysed, DDT, Lindane (BHC) and other pesticides were found above the detection limits, D. L. lower than mg / kg), 10

19 Phase I Report, Identification of POPs Hotspot Assessment of Results While assessing the laboratory data on residue contents of potato samples, it becomes clear that about 18 % of the sample examined showed some residue contents of DDT and Lindane (BHC). Although the experimental values obtained for potato could not be compared directly with other standards for lack of standard potato values, the overall indication is that DDT and Lindane (BHC) values obtained for domestic potato may not be high enough to cause immediate health concerns to potato consumers or to the environment, which is contrary to the earlier expectation. No matter how low the concentration is the bio accumulative and persistent character of POPs increases the risk of build-up of these chemicals in the body of the consumers if the contaminated vegetable items are consumed regularly for a long period of time. From this angle, the low observed concentration of POPs does not ensure health and environmental safety. To ensure that the POPs are not used intentionally, legal instruments are important to be further supported by regular monitoring backups. The current low levels of analysed POPs in potatoes as shown by the documented records of the past, is a result of banning POPs in Nepal (Joshi, 1984) Possible Reason for the Study Outcome Types of Pesticide Used by the Farmers Field survey result (see above) on the types of pesticide used indicated that most farmers do not seem to use DDT and Lindane (BHC) during potato cultivation. Instead, they use fungicide (75 % Mancozeb) for the protection of above ground crops by regular spraying. The types of pesticides (other that DDT and Lindane (BHC)) they use both for soil conditioning and during potato cropping have been described in earlier section (3.3.2). If this is the case, the low values of DDT and Lindane (BHC) obtained for some samples can be expected. Application of agro-pesticides per Hectare of land in Nepal and some Asian countries. Country Pesticides (gram/ha) Active ingredient (gram/ha) Nepal Bangladesh Pakistan Indonesia Thailand Malaysia Source ADB, 1987 The above data indicates that pesticides application per hectare of land in Nepal is comparatively much lower. Currently even if the application rate is increased by several-fold the quantity applied per hectare is expected to be much lower than for Bangladesh. Both above factors may contribute to lower residue values, as has been the case. 11

20 Phase I Report, Identification of POPs Hotspot However, there are some obvious limitations of the study: The Sample Size and Coverage As said earlier, 16 samples were taken whose sources covered four districts of Nepal namely, Kavre, Kathmandu, Bhaktapur and Nuwakot (excluding the one from India). The areas covered by potato cultivation in each district are as follows: Kavre: Ha; Kathmandu: 6553 Ha; Bhaktapur: 968 Ha; and Nuwakot: 298 Ha, a total of Ha of land (Source: Kalimati Fruits and Vegetable Market Development Board). From the above data, the area covered by each sample comes to 1611 Ha. of land. The above sample coverage may not adequately represent all potato growing areas in terms of location specifics, soil conditions, and above all pesticide use practices followed by potato growers and thus, possibly may have skipped some high pesticide using locations. Seasonal variations are not covered. This report is based upon one season coverage. For a representative study, all seasons should have been covered. About the Phase II Study The basic aim of the Phase II study was to identify hot spot agricultural areas, if any with respect to POPs (DDT and Lindane (BHC)) from the pesticide residue contents in potato analysed/examined in the Phase I study. It has been described earlier in this report that only three domestic samples showed some residual values of DDT and Lindane (BHC) above the detection limits (0.001mg/kg) which points to the fact that the Phase II activities should concentrate more on those three particular locations whose potato product were sourced in to the Kathmandu vegetable markets, and which were sampled and analysed. Accordingly, those source location will be visited and at the same time more information on the present and past history about the POPs pesticide use pattern in those and adjoining areas will be made; soils samples taken for subsequent laboratory analysis of residual DDT and Lindane (BHC) contents. References 1. UNEP, Governing Council decision, 19/13, adopted by Government in Feb., A Study on Pesticide Pollution in Nepal, IUCN, Leela Dahal, Joshi, DDT Residue in Food Commodities in Nepal, Proceeding of the first Nepal Seminar on Food Industries and Food Technology, Monitoring of DDT residue in Food Articles of Nepal, Proceedings of National Conference on Science and Technology (RONAST), Dudani, A. T. et. al. (1984) Status Report on Pesticide Residues Vis-à-vis Consumer Protection, Department of Science and technology, India 12

21 Phase I Report, Identification of POPs Hotspot Annex 1: Checklist for Inventory of Agricultural Products that are sourced in to the Vegetable Market of Kathmandu Valley Visit to main vegetable market places in the Kathmandu: Kalimati, Kalanki. Balkhu, Lagankhel, Balaju, Chabahil, Dillibazar, Ason, etc. Visit to vegetable (potato) distributors: Name; Address: How long have you been in this business (years)? Who are your main potato suppliers? Give Name / address of the farm / Farmers / Cold Storage Give Quantity supplied by each supplier (packs of 50-kg) in each growing season Give total quantity of potatoes received / sold (nos. of 50-kg packs) by you per year. Do you receive potatoes, treated with preservatives, from your suppliers? If so by whom, in what quantity, in what season? And what are the names of the preservatives used? Have you got your own cold storage / places of storage? If so give the capacity, quantity stored, period of time generally stored before selling, and what preservative do you use? In your opinion, how many trucks or vehicle loads of potatoes (Nos. of 50-kg packs) enter the valley from outside, daily? and from where? In your opinion, which of the producers produce the best potato in quality and quantity? In your opinion, which of the suppliers generally supply treated potatoes and from where and when? Among the vegetable items other than potato, which items are sold in the Kathmandu market mostly containing preservatives? Questionnaire to knowledgeable person / authority Give the names / locations of potato growing areas / farms which supply the produce in to the Kathmandu vegetable market. Give an idea of potato supply situation in Kathmandu in terms of quantity supplied by growing location in each season and in each year. Total Supply figure in to Kathmandu per year? Which time of the year, in which the supply is lean, do you think the potato sent in to the Kathmandu market can become contaminated with preservatives? Or is it the usual practice that residual amount of preservative may always be present in marketed potatoes? 13

22 Phase I Report, Identification of POPs Hotspot What pesticides are generally used by farmers / growers in the field or during post-harvest storage? Potato coming from Indian farmers is said to contain prohibited organochlorines (e.g. Lindane (BHC), DDT). Even growers in Nepal use such banned pesticides. How far do you agree with this? 14

23 Phase I Report, Identification of POPs Hotspot Annex 2: National Wide Cultivation Area and Production of Potato S.N. District Area (ha) Production (MT) Productivity (MT/ha) Eastern Region 1. Taplegung Panthar Ilam Jhapa Sankhuwashawa Terathum Bhojpur Dhankuta Morang Sunsari Solokhumbu Okaldhunga Khotang Udayapur Saptari Siraha Sub Total Central Region 1. Dholakha Ramechap Sindhuli Dhanusha Mahottari Sarlahi Rasuwa Dhading Nuwakot Sindhupalanchowk Kavre Kathmandu Bhaktapur Lalitpur Chitwan Makawanpur Parsa Bara Rautahat Sub Total Western Region 1. Gorkha Tanahu Manag Lamjung Kaski

24 Phase I Report, Identification of POPs Hotspot 6. Syanja Parbat Myagdi Mustang Baglung Gulmi Aargakhanchi Palpa Nawalparasi Rupenehi Kapilbastu Sub Total S.N. District Area (ha) Production (MT) Productivity (MT/ha) Mid Western Region 1. Rukum Rolpa Syallan Piuthan Dang Dailekh Jajarkot Surkhet Banke Bardiya Jumla Dolpa Kalikot Mugu Humla Sub Total Far western Region 1. Bhaghang Bajura Doti Acham Kailali Darchula Dadheldhura Baitadi Kanchanpur Sub Total Grand Total Source: National Potato Development Centre, Khumaltar, Lalitpur (2060/2061)

25 Phase II Report, Identification of POPs Hotspot Attachment 2 a

26 Phase II Report, Identification of POPs Hotspot Second Phase Report IDENTIFICATION OF POPs HOT SPOT Examination of DDT and Lindane (BHC) Residues in Potato and Farm Soil Table of Contents 1. INTRODUCTION 3 2. SUMMARY OF PHASE I STUDY SAMPLE COVERAGE SAMPLE ANALYSIS AND RESULTS PHASE I FINDINGS PHASE II STUDY MAIN ACTIVITIES CARRIED OUT POTATO CULTIVATION AND USE OF CHEMICALS DETERMINATION OF DDT AND LINDANE (BHC) RESIDUE IN SOIL SAMPLES RESULTS OF CHEMICAL ANALYSIS COMPARATIVE ASSESSMENT OF RESIDUE RESULTS OF DDT AND LINDANE (BHC) IN SOIL AND POTATO SAMPLES FINDINGS AND CONCLUSION 12 REFERENCES 12 b

27 Phase II Report, Identification of POPs Hotspot 1. Introduction The study intends to analyse POPs residue levels in the vegetable items and the agricultural farm soil whose products are sourced into vegetable markets. The method consists of survey, analysis of residual pesticides in selected vegetable item and the soil of the source farm area. The study is based on the Kathmandu vegetable market and the source areas supplying vegetable products to Kathmandu vegetable market. The vegetable item selected was potato. The targeted POPs for residue analysis are DDT and Lindane (BHC). Vegetable item Potato is selected because it is one of the most consumed vegetable item in Kathmandu and is used by the cross cutting groups of consumer (economic and ethnic). DDT and Lindane (BHC) POPs were selected because they are reported to have extensive use in the vegetable agricultural farms which supply vegetable items to Kathmandu. The study is divided in to Phase I and Phase II. The Phase I study consists of inventory preparation of vegetable item potato sourced into vegetable markets of Kathmandu focusing mainly on demand and supply situation, identifying product sources (commercial farms etc.) and determining residual levels of DDT and Lindane (BHC) POPs in potato. The Phase II consists mainly of investigation of identified DDT and Lindane (BHC) POPs contaminated potato farm areas and analysing soil samples from where contaminated potato item is sourced into the markets. The aim of the study was to identify the POPs hotspot area among the vegetable growing areas in Nepal with an objective to involve common grass root people and NGOs in the Global POPs eliminations campaign through awareness programs about the POPs that are being used in their environment. 2. Summary of Phase I Study The Phase I study was accomplished in the January 2005 and its results were already submitted in the form of a technical report. The findings of the study were disseminated to the media and common people in a series of interaction meetings. Main activities conducted were: Survey and documentation of vegetable markets of Kathmandu with simple checklist on the supply of potentially POPs contaminated vegetable item (potato) and their locations with an objective to prepare an inventory of average supply and demand of the item. Collection of potato samples (17) for residual testing with details of type, date of collection, source area, supply volume of the season etc. POPs residual analysis in the collected samples at the laboratory for DDT and Lindane (BHC) Assessment of survey results and documentation of findings.

28 Phase II Report, Identification of POPs Hotspot Interaction meetings with the media, and people to disseminate the information 2.1 Sample Coverage Locations around and outside Kathmandu Valley supplying their products to Kathmandu at the time of sampling were as given in the Table 1 below: Table 1: Potato supply source areas, Kathmandu S. N Source location District / others Sampled from Number samples collected 1 Bode Bhaktapur Field 2 2 Sankhu Kathmandu Market 4 3 Mulpani Kathmandu Field 1 4 Gothatar Kathmandu Field 2 5 Nala Kavre Market 1 6 Panauti Kavre Market 1 7 Panchkhal Kavre Market 1 8 Panchkhal Kavre Field 2 9 Bhakundebeshi Kavre Market 1 10 Trishuli Nuwakot Market 1 11 Bangali Indian Market 1 of Out of 17 samples taken, 7 samples were taken from the field during harvest time and 10 from vegetable markets. 2.2 Sample Analysis and Results All samples collected were analysed for the residual contents of DDT and Lindane (BHC) by using GLC with ECD (Electro Capture Detector) at the laboratory of Nepal Environmental & Scientific Services, Kathmandu Nepal. The analysis results are presented in Table 2.

29 Phase II Report, Identification of POPs Hotspot Table 2: Residual Pesticide Contents in Potato Samples Observed Residual Pesticide Concentration, (ppm) No Locations Date α- Lindane β-lindane γ-lindane. DDT (BHC) (BHC) (BHC) BKT-Bode BKT-Bode Sankhu Nilo Gothatar Gothatar Mulpani Sankhu Seto Indian Bangali Nala Lamo Rato Panauti Golo rato Sankhu Rato PanchKhal Panchkhal- Anekote-4/5 (Bari) Panchkhal (Bari) - 2 Bhakundebe si Sankhu (Re sample) Trisuli Dhikure δ-lindane (BHC) Note: α- Lindane (BHC), β-lindane (BHC), γ-lindane (BHC), and δ-lindane (BHC) are isomers The results of residual pesticides indicated that out of 17 samples analysed, only four samples showed some residual pesticide levels above the detection limits (D.L.= mg / kg) of the equipment under the specified operating conditions.

30 Phase II Report, Identification of POPs Hotspot The residual contents of sample number 1 (BKT-Bode-4) and sample number 7 (Sankhu Seto) were barely above the D.L. for γ-lindane (BHC) and β-lindane (BHC) respectively. Residual DDT contents obtained for sample 2, from Bhaktapur, Bode (BKT-Bode-5) and sample 8 (Indian Bengali) were mg / kg and mg / kg respectively. 2.3 Phase I findings The survey result showed that the annual total supply of potato in to the Kathmandu markets came to about Mt. (average for 2059/2060). In the supplied tonnage, the red variety amounts to an average of 70 % and the white variety to 30 %. There were more than 20 different sources from inside and outside Nepal who supplied potato in to Kathmandu markets. They were 16 districts of Nepal; unknown locations from India, Bhutan and Tibet; and others. In terms of supply quantity, Kavre district of Nepal ranked first supplying about 53 % of the total; Kathmandu district supplying 22 % ranked 2nd; and India supplying 11% ranked third. While talking about the pesticide use practices in vegetables including potato, with people from Government organizations, they say that DDT and Lindane (BHC) are banned items, as such, these pesticides are not available in the market and farmers in general do not use them for crop protection. Farmers themselves were not open to discussion on the type of insecticides they use in potato crops. Information gathered from dealers/sellers of insecticides indicated the following use practices: Furadan 3G (Carbofuran 3% G); Cartap Hydrochloride 4 % G (Kritap 4 G Insecticide); Phorate 10% CG; Fungicides (Mancozeb 75 %) Dithanem M 45; Indofil M 45; Artee M 45; Saviorm 45; Uthane 45; Dhankaka M 45; Anu M 45. While assessing the laboratory data on residue contents of potato samples, it shows that about 18 % of the sample examined showed some residue contents of DDT and Lindane (BHC). A comparison of study data, DDT with international standards, The residue values obtained in potato (0.016 mg / kg for sample NO. 2; and mg / kg for S.NO 8) are lower when compared with Codex value of 0.1 mg / kg in cereal grains and eggs. The above described sample DDT values are still lower compared to Indian Standard limits of mg / kg in milk and baby foods, But in comparison to Codex value in milk (0.02 mg / kg), the potato value for Sample N0. 8 are at higher level.